Qualified carpenter Rob and ex-advertising professional Jan catch up with Resort News mid-way through their impressive second decade in management rights.

Jan and Rob Penerata are the managers of a classic Gold Coast resort, built in 1980 and situated on Old Burleigh Road mid-way between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Breakers North’s one- and two-bedroom apartments encompass the sights, sounds and smells of the perfect family holiday with the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean just metres away.

With an absolute beachfront location, the apartments offer direct access to a patrolled surf beach, sweeping panoramic views, a relaxing beachfront pool area and an amble to the centre of Broadbeach.

Jan states: “This is a true beachfront property with its own boardwalk access leading straight onto the patrolled beach. No roads to cross, just a stroll outside to the best backyard on the Gold Coast.

“The property’s best features are its stunning location, beautiful grounds and the amazing facilities. Where else can guests enjoy a game of tennis alongside the beach then follow up with a refreshing steam in the sauna? Our guests relax around the in-ground, resort-style heated pool or soak in the heated spa and finish the day by dining alfresco in the beachside BBQ entertaining area.”

With extensive renovations over the years and most recently having undergone a full makeover of the foyer and reception areas, the property is delightfully presented. New Zealanders Jan and Rob live onsite and have a long history of working together in the hospitality industry, they have three adult children; two live in New Zealand and one lives in Sydney.

Rob’s background was in the building industry: he is a qualified carpenter and Jan spent many of her working years within the advertising industry. Their varied skills complement each other and are very suited to management rights. After 15 years in this industry, they are now both seasoned operators and well-informed managers having owned management rights in both Queensland and NSW.

Jan reveals: “Prior to our move to Australia, we jointly owned and operated a hotel in Northland, New Zealand, and when we sold this business we were at a loss as to what to do next. We went on a holiday to the Gold Coast and began talking to the building manager at the Main Beach resort where we were staying, he explained the process of management rights and it sounded like the perfect career change for us - a natural progression from the hotel.

“We flew back to NZ, packed up all our possessions and within a couple of months were back in Queensland! We obtained a letting licence and began to work in our first building, in Burleigh Heads. The decision changed our life and we have never seriously considered doing anything else.”

More recently, they lived and worked in Far North Queensland for almost five years but became keen to return to the Gold Coast. “We heard Breakers North was for sale and we knew right away it could well be the one for us. We were familiar with the building, having previously managed another property close to it. We believe location is the key to success in this business and this location certainly ticked that box,” adds Jan.

According to Rob, every building they have managed over the years has presented with its own set of challenges. “But, our goal is always to build a trusting relationship with the unit owners and ensure we keep them informed with what is happening in the building and the marketplace.

“We also strongly believe that employing staff members who seek to excel working as part of an effective team is vital. Having staff intent on making the guests stay memorable is paramount to the success of the business, and one of its biggest assets,” he states.

Do experienced managers Jan and Rob have any advice? “Just go for it! It is a 24/7 job but it can also be incredibly rewarding and we have met and formed some amazing friendships along the way. We have connected with people from all over the world that we probably would never have had the opportunity to meet in any other industry.”

What do you love most about this management rights business? Breakers North is home to a diverse mix of owners, tenants and holiday guests and it is a pleasure to be a small part of this group of people. There is a great community spirit throughout the building, with people who have lived here for close to 40 years living alongside people who have recently arrived in Australia and are just finding their way in a new city. We also love the excitement that living in Surfers Paradise offers, and the intensity of being part of a city that is constantly evolving.”

As for the future… The resort has recently had a new wifi system installed throughout the building with a fibre cable to provide guests, tenants, and residents with high-speed, reliable internet. Astute Jan and Rob believe that “being able to offer guests free of charge wifi and one of the fastest connects in Surfers/Broadbeach”, gives them a competitive edge and a serious point of difference in the marketplace.

The upgrading and maintenance of the apartments is a continuing work in progress and one Rob plays a key role in. “It is vitally important that the units present beautifully, are spotless and have everything in place to ensure guests have a comfortable and memorable stay. Our goal for Breakers North is quite simply to be “the best resort on the Gold Coast.”